Raft Race

Raft Race

The annual Raft Race was the final major event of Greek Week at Boise State starting in the early 1960s and ending in early 1980s. To participate, an individual or group had to be part of a campus club. Competitive categories included men’s and women’s singles, doubles, large, and mixed groups. Some groups built their own rafts made from diverse materials such as fiberglass, styrofoam, wood, canvas, rubber, and oil drums. The race began at Barber Bridge and ended at Ann Morrison park. Along the way, students were pelted with eggs, tomatoes, wet straw, and garbage. Prizes were given to the fastest teams, and a “Half-Assed Last” prize was awarded to team that finished last, but still managed to finish the course before 3 P.M. (Teams would leave at staggered times between 12 and 12:30.) The overall fastest team had an opportunity to compete in the Intercollegiate Raft Race. Although rules in the early years dictated that no alcohol was allowed, later years saw teams lugging kegs into their rafts. After the race was over, teams would indulge in barbecue, beer, and a faculty-student softball game.

Sources:The Arbiter: May 2, 1963; April 30, 1964; April 27, 1967; April 25, 1969; April 17, 1970; May 4, 1972; May 10, 1973; May 3, 1976.